5/25/2019

My dear Friend and president, DJT,

           How was your flight to Japan? I see that you hit the ground running. Getting off the plane and immediately talking to a group of business men, that's impressive. When I get off a transcontinental flight I am in a daze for the next day or so, trying to figure out what time it is. Some of my friends who travel a lot take sleeping meds to deal with the jet lag. Maybe that's what you did so you could get off the plane ready to tease AS about the trade deficit?

            Have you seen the sumo match yet? I hope no one heckles you for sitting in a chair at ringside displacing some fans and disrespecting the tradition of sitting on the floor. They've got a lot of fascinating traditions related to sumo. Please ask AS to explain the Nakizumofesitval where the sumos hold babies so they'll cry and ward off the evil spirits who might make them sick. To my uninformed eyes if looks like torture for the poor little ones, but maybe it's like a christening which also can look like torture.

https://www.japanistry.com/event/nakizumo-sensoji/

              I hope you get a chance to meet some of the wrestlers. I was surprised to learn that some of the best are immigrants from Mongolia. One of them got in trouble for leading the fans in a cheer after a match. If the Japanese can welcome immigrant sumo wrestlers, certainly we can welcome immigrants to do "American" work in the US.

              Have you decided whether you will bow to the new emperor? That's a tricky decision. My guess is you'll go with your gut. I'll wait and see how you handle it.

              Enjoy your visit,

              RCA